Heat wave is likely to torch records

Dangerously high temperatures are forecast through the middle of the week.

Dangerously high temperatures are forecast around the region through the middle of the week.

A sweltering heat wave will blanket Southern California through the middle of the week, elevating the fire danger and probably breaking many heat records, according to forecasters.

The National Weather Service on Monday issued an excessive-heat warning through Wednesday, saying the high temperatures will create “a dangerous situation” this week.

The Antelope Valley and other inland valleys are expected to face the worst heat this week, with triple-digit temperatures.

Records were shattered Monday when temperatures reached 111 in Woodland Hills, 109 in Lancaster, 108 in Palmdale and 104 in Sandberg, according to the weather service. Records in the latter three areas were set in 2008, when temperatures had reached 107 in Lancaster and Palmdale, and 97 in Sandberg.

The Central Valley will be slammed Tuesday as it flirts with a few records.

The National Weather Service is forecasting highs of 108 in Fresno and 109 in Bakersfield.

It has not been that hot on Aug. 28 in Fresno since Calvin Coolidge was president — it hit 108 in Fresno on that date in 1888 and 1924.

The last time Bakersfield was this hot on Aug. 28 was in 1944, and earlier in 1924.

The National Weather Service said hot and dry conditions this week will elevate the fire danger in Southern California. The agency’s excessive-heat warning was slated to be in effect through Friday night.

“We’re still telling people, if they’re going to go exercise, do it in the morning — it’s the best time. Late evening would be second best,” said Kathy Hoxsie, a meteorologist with the weather service.

The National Weather Service said hot and dry conditions this week will elevate the fire danger in Southern California early this week.

Cooling centers in Los Angeles will be open from noon to 11 p.m. Others run by Los Angeles County will open earlier.

“It is critically important to never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in homes with no air conditioning and particularly in vehicles, even if the windows are ‘cracked’ or open, as temperatures inside can quickly rise to lifethreatening levels,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, Los Angeles County’s interim health officer.

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Francine Orr Los Angeles Times VICTOR DUDCHENKO and his friend’s daughter, Julia Bogachuk, cool off Sunday in the lake at Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park.

Allen J. Schaben Los Angeles Times LUIS ALVAREZ and his 11-month old son, Adrian, beat Sunday’s heat in a hammock in the shade at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in South El Monte.